Historic building in Worthing town centre is given a facelift

The Gospel Hall has stood in Bedford Row for nearly 170 years and stands at the entrance to the grade-II listed Regency terrace.

Worthing Borough Council said the privately-owned building had stood derelict for more than a decade and has severely deteriorated, with chipped and cracked masonry, graffiti and rubbish dumped in the forecourt.

The council said its planning enforcement team had stepped in and encouraged the owner to renovate the facade of the Victorian structure.

External facades were painted, doors replaced, and weeds and rubble removed from the forecourt as the building was transformed back to its original grand state.

The renovation forms part of a major push by the council – in conjunction with the Worthing Society – to spruce up the South Street conservation area and ensure the town’s historic buildings stand tall for years to come.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “The Gospel Hall is very much at the heart of this historic street. While it has been empty for many years, it remains a much-loved building which residents and visitors appreciate greatly. For that reason I want to praise the owner of the Gospel Hall for responding to our request.”